A Change of Pace

EQ's Merry Kite Pattern

My first RSVP fall-themed block is complete. After working exclusively with 4.5 inch blocks for over 6 months, 12.5 looks gigantic.

Since my stash revolves around brights and pastels (mostly 30s, as you already know)...I had to go shopping for autumn bits. I made the mistake of purchasing such small pieces that I'll have to go back.

I know, right? Poor me, having to return to my favorite quilt shop.

 When working with DJ blocks, you can make a block completely from scraps so a fat quarter seems like a lot of fabric. In making gigantic (standard size) blocks, not so much. Luckily, I save just about everything and found the maroon batik folded nicely in the back of my organizer pocket after wishing I had just a tiny bit more from a block I sent 2 years ago.

Thank you fabric fairy!

A little bird told me that Pip is sending RSVP a couple of blocks...if you'd like to check out her progress, please click PIP for the Rest is Not Idleness blog. While you're there, be sure to check out all the other gorgeous goodies she's been busy with. Pip's making cheese, sweets, working on her Dear Jane....she's one busy lady and a great person to know!

If you'd like to get in on the fun, be sure to send me an email at heatherl02 at yahoo dot com so we can watch your progress, too. 

Happy Quilting,

Heather 

P.S. In case you missed it, I guest blogged for Stash Manicure again. Pictures of my vintage grandmothers flower garden blocks are available HERE.

Week 29: Feeling Sew Fine

6 more for the completed list!! =)

Top: B-9, K-11, J-9
Bottom: K-1, A-2, C-13

Several readers have asked how I take projects along with me. I have my own kit prepped and ready to go and it rarely leaves my purse. The kit includes a YLI silk thread spool, sharp small scissors just the size for thread cutting, a couple extra applique pins (which I do use on the tiniest of pieces now---call me a convert), a fresh needle or two and just in case, a marking pencil. I prefer the Fons & Porter lead colored pencil for most things and do have a light version to write on darks...I almost never use that one. The F&P version seems to come out well on the fabrics I use most often. I'm very happy with this relatively recent discovery.

Next, in a separate baggie, I keep my current block. If it's a combination, I piece what I can first and prep the applique pieces for later. Most of my applique is done outside of my home now.

When I have some time in betwen errands, a bit of extra time at the library, or before a meeting, I have my trusty projects ready and waiting and after a short applique session, another block is ready for the completed list. I love that.

I took a little time for myself this past week and read Sew Retro. What a little gem! At first, I was so busy thumbing through to find the latest mod projects, I really looked past a lot of wonderful information. It's well worth your time to read this one. Judi Ketteler provides an interesting historical perspective on sewing from a feminist point of view and I have to say, it's eye opening.

Being a child of the 70s, School House Rock taught us Elias Howe is credited for inventing the sewing machine...need a refresher?

Let's just say, it isn't so. Oh, School House, what other facts have been left out of some of my favorite tunes from childhood?

When you have a bit of time to pour over the lovely pages of Sew Retro, you'll find interviews with some of the top designers today (including Judi Rothermel!!), some new projects to add to your must have list and I'm willing to bet a surprise or two.

Speaking of surprises, I had so much fun making headbands designed by Judi Ketteler, I've decided to give a few away. Be one of the first three to respond, stating you'll host a giveaway for Pay it Forward on your blog and your favorite fabric from my recent windfall from Sew LA and I'll get in touch.

116 Blocks on the Completed List!

Week 28 or so, I have a grand total of 116 blocks! Just 52 more of the center beauties to go....not including the triangles, of course. I'm still on the fence about them and probably won't know for certain until the center blocks are done and I've had a nice month or so to refocus.

Happy Quilting!

Heather

SUPER FUN MAIL!!

Oh, what a week! My AccuQuilt GO! arrived Monday and I have been cutting strips daily. It's SO easy to use. I've been going though some larger 30s scraps from my DJ blocks and making them into various lengths of 2.5" strips for Stefanie Roman's cards----oh, yes, I'm still happily churning those out regularly.

The latest version mailed out this week.

In other news, my SEW LA fabric and Sew Retro book arrived yesterday afternoon. I couldn't wait to dig in and have already made 4 headbands from the book in just about no time. No doubt I'll add other projects to my wardrobe before long. They're super cute, EASY and make me want an entire collection for daily wear. I'm not alone...gift requests are coming in already. 

While I haven't had the time to read the book cover to cover yet, I will definitely do so this weekend and get back with you all.

Inspired by my recent good luck, I've decided to start a tutorial page for the blog. Please bear with me over the next couple of weeks as it is a work in progress.

You can take a closer look at the fabric fabulousness from SEW LA below. All my pictures should enlarge if you click on them...at least, that's the plan. Please let me know if you ever have difficulty viewing anything.

Happy Retro Sewing!!

Heather

I'm a Guest Blogger!

*DISCLAIMER: Please note I was not yet dressing myself when this photo was taken and certainly cannot be held responsible for the anti-cool bootleg Raggedy Ann-ish design. Unlike the children of today, the 70s bowed to virtually no whims of a child, especially when it came to fashion sense. Thus, this is a tragedy of motherly proportion. See above photo for crystal clear proof, noting I lovingly cropped mom out.*

The sole DJ block for the week, K-4

It's true, I'm guest blogging! Earlier this week, I did some digging to find out more about the known quilters in our family and it turns out there are several. The person I found most fitting to share my very first guest post with had to be my Great Grandmother. I have some new to me items from her stash and a rush of wonderful memories.

Given my Great Grandmother is the driving force behind my Baby Jane, I probably should have whipped up a few blocks for the occasion...not so much this week. It happens. 

The fabric reminds me of hours of carefree play at her home, where I felt truly cherished. Each time I passed "the Windmill" (Bevo Mill), I knew it was going to be a good day with grandma. She taught me about yard goods, linens and glassware. My great grandfather spent his time passing on his passion for gardening & puzzles. I played with antique toys, learned to appreciate nature & fell madly in love with the tiny feather tree ornaments positioned in the front window each December. 

piece.

Heather